Regular visits to your dentist are essential to proper dental care, but what are you doing between visits to take care of your teeth? Much of the dental care you receive throughout your life is done by you, at home, so make sure you’re doing it right. This article gives you five teeth cleaning and care tips to keep your smile healthy.

Teeth Cleaning Advice You Can Follow at Home

1. Cut Out Sugary Drinks

Sodas, energy drinks, fruit drinks, and even store-bought teas and coffees are packed with sugar, are highly acidic, and cause stains. The acid in the drinks erodes the enamel of your teeth, which then allows sugar to penetrate them, creating the perfect storm for cavities to develop.

2. Eat Sugar-Free Candy

Sugar provides a food source for bacteria whose acidic waste then eat away at your enamel, causing cavities and decay. Choosing sugar-free hard candies or gum over sugar-filled ones allow you to satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the day without damaging your teeth.

3. Stop Midnight Snacking

The midnight snack is a popular occasion, but snacking and going straight back to bed is a bad idea. Not brushing afterward allows sugar and food particles to stay on your teeth overnight, leading to cavities and plaque buildup. It also allows stains to set in, so brushing immediately before bed is an important teeth cleaning step.

4. Eat ‘Detergent’ Foods

Why not let your food do some of the work for you? Crispy, crunchy foods full of fiber are called ‘detergent’ foods since they clean your teeth as you chew. While they don’t replace brushing, eating an apple, celery, or carrots is a great way to refresh your teeth during the day.

5. Change Your Toothbrush

Over time, toothbrushes lose their efficacy and collect germs and dirt, leading to a less fresh mouth after brushing. Changing your toothbrush every three months or so will ensure your cleaning tool stays clean.

When it comes to dentistry, no other dentist compares to the work of Dr. Joy K. Lunan, DDS, in Middlebury, CT. From dental fillings to teeth cleaning to teeth whitening, she and her all-female team will heal your teeth and enhance their appearance, so you get the beautiful smile you deserve. With 20 years of experience, she’s committed to bonding with patients while offering advanced, comprehensive dental care in a soothing setting. Her office combines the latest technology and approaches with trusted methods to deliver enhanced dental services. Whether you need teeth whitening or are interested in dental implants, trust them to provide flawless, pleasant care. View a full list of procedures online, or call (203) 598-7920 for an appointment. They can’t wait to make you smile.